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Phd In Political Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty - Political Science

Oakland, CA

$2.3K/wk

  • Medical

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  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD or ABD preferred. Prior teaching experience in political science or a closely related field (e.g. public policy) preferred Documents to submit: CV and Cover Letter Sample Syllabi (optional ...

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Phd In Political Science information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do phd in political science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd in political science in California is $47,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it worth getting a PhD in political science?

A PhD in political science prepares individuals for academic, research, or policy analysis careers, often requiring strong analytical and writing skills. While it can lead to specialized roles, it typically involves several years of study and may have limited direct entry-level opportunities outside academia or research institutions.

What career paths are commonly pursued by individuals with a PhD in Political Science outside of academia?

While many with a PhD in Political Science pursue academic careers, there are also diverse opportunities in government agencies, think tanks, international organizations, nonprofit sectors, and private consulting firms. These roles often involve policy analysis, research, program evaluation, and advising on legislative or diplomatic strategies. Developing strong analytical, writing, and communication skills during your PhD can help you transition into these sectors, where collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders is common. Networking and internships during your doctoral studies can further enhance your prospects in non-academic career paths.

What is a PhD in Political Science?

A PhD in Political Science is the highest academic degree in the field, focusing on advanced research, analysis, and theory related to governments, political processes, public policies, and political behavior. Students in these programs typically complete coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research culminating in a dissertation. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, policy analysis, or governmental and non-governmental organizations.

What is the difference between Phd In Political Science vs Political Analyst?

AspectPhd In Political SciencePolitical Analyst
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree in Political ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, related fields, or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentAcademia, research institutions, think tanksGovernment agencies, media outlets, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizationsMedia, government, policy organizations
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic & research focusPractical policy analysis & media commentary

The main difference is that a Phd In Political Science is an advanced academic qualification preparing individuals for research, teaching, or scholarly work, while a Political Analyst applies political science knowledge to analyze current events, policies, and trends for media, government, or consulting roles. Both roles require strong understanding of political systems, but their career paths and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Political Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Political Science, you need advanced research skills, expertise in political theories, and a doctoral degree in the field. Proficiency with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), academic databases, and citation management tools is typical. Strong written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are vital for producing impactful research, publishing in academic journals, and contributing to policy or academic environments.

How much do people with a PhD in political science make?

Individuals with a PhD in political science often work as university professors, researchers, or policy analysts. Salaries vary by position and experience, with academic faculty earning between $60,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the institution and location.

What cities in California are hiring for Phd In Political Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd In Political Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd In Political Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, and 72% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


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Job description

Political Science Lecturer Pool

Apply now Job no: 529498
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Jose
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Temporary, Part Time


Department Summary

The Political Science Department at SJSU was founded in 1962 and currently has 25 full and part time faculty and more than 300 majors. The undergraduate program offers a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and three minors: Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy, and Applied Research Methods. The Political Science major provides students with an understanding of politics and government, prepares them to be active, engaged, and informed citizens, and further develops skills in critical analysis and communication. The major in political science leads to a wide variety of professional careers, including teaching, the law, business, public service, and public policy. To learn more about the department please visit our website http://www.sjsu.edu/polisci/

Brief Description of Duties

The Political Science Department seeks candidates for a part time lecturer instructional position to teach lower and upper division courses in the political science major. The following are required.

  • Demonstrate awareness of and address the needs of a student population of great diversity-including age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation-through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement.
  • Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
  • All classes must be offered and meet as scheduled throughout the entire semester or term, in the mode assigned and listed in the schedule of classes (i.e., asynchronous, synchronous, bichronous, in-person, or hybrid).

Required Qualifications

  • Master's Degree or Ph.D. degree in political science or related field
  • Knowledge of the subject of the discipline to which the individual is assigned.
  • Ability to evaluate adult learners. Evidence of satisfactory achievement in previous academic work.
  • Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching and other comparable experience.

Compensation

Compensation and salary range placement are determined by qualifications and experience. To learn more about range placement, please see University Policy S21-2.

Anticipated starting salary:

L-A / Range 2 - $5507 - $5959
L-B / Range 3 - $6221 - $7481
L-C / Range 4 - $6825 - $9431
L-D / Range 5 - $8593 - $10347

Range salaries above are the anticipated monthly salary rate of full-time AY faculty--part-time rates are prorated. There are 6 monthly payments per semester (full-time AY annual salary = rate x 12). See the Faculty Salary Schedule for more information.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

  • CV
  • Cover Letter
  • List of at least three (3) or as many as five (5) references
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and courses you are qualified to teach

This is a continuing open position.

Employment Conditions

Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., preventing discrimination and harassment, gender equity and Title IX, health and safety). Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty member in this position will subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu. The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Conditional Offer

The work for this faculty position is located in the State of California and requires commuting to the campus. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Offers of employment are conditional, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment considerations and subject to order of assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. These provisions state the order in which available courses must be assigned to faculty, starting with tenure line faculty and ending with new lecturer appointees.

San Jose State University: Silicon Valley's Public University

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley-one of the most innovative and diverse regions in the world-San Jose State University is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and the first public university in the West. Recognized as a national leader in transformative higher education, San Jose State University is an essential contributor to the economic, cultural, and social development of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and California. SJSU ranks high nationally in research funding and is second highest in research productivity in the CSU system. Cutting-edge research, combined with world-class scholarship, student-centered learning opportunities, and experiential and interdisciplinary programs, allows SJSU to provide transformative opportunities that advance the public good locally and globally.

San Jose State enrolls more than 36,000 students - many are historically underserved, and around 45% are first-generation and 38% are Pell-recipients. SJSU is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Serving Institution. The university's commitment to social justice extends from its vibrant, inclusive campus to an international network of over 275,000 alumni. As such, San Jose State is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty so our disciplines, students, and community can benefit from different and divergent cultural and identity perspectives.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Note that all San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Advertised: Jul 17 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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